Max Holden has joined Northamptonshire on loan from Middlesex for the first half of the upcoming cricket season.

The talented Cambridge Granta youngster is in India preparing to play for England under-19s in five one-day matches, starting on January 30, before captaining the side in two four-day games.

But on his return, he will join up with Northants for their pre-season tour to Barbados in March after agreeing a temporary move from Middlesex until the end of June.

Holden, who signed a four-year deal with Middlesex last year after coming through the county’s academy, said: “It’s great to get the opportunity to go to Barbados and hopefully put my name in the hat, but that’s the same for every player here, you’ve got to work to prove you’re worthy to start.

“Ultimately I want to play as much cricket as I can.

“Seeing Haseeb Hameed progress the way he has and break into the England team has really given me a push.

“Obviously, the ambition is to play for the England test eleven, that’s the dream.”

Holden will be available to play for the Steelbacks in both the Specsavers County Championship and the Royal London One-Day Cup.

Northants head coach David Ripley said: “I have followed his progress since I first tried to get him to join our junior cademy back in 2011.

“I’m delighted to add him to the squad and add competition for places.”